Former New Hampshire House Speaker Bill O’Brien has been elected chairman of the Republican National Committee’s powerful Rules Committee, placing the veteran GOP leader at the center of the party’s preparations for the next presidential election.
O’Brien, who serves as New Hampshire’s Republican National Committeeman, was chosen by his colleagues to lead the panel through the end of the next Republican National Convention. The Rules Committee oversees the party’s governing framework, including convention procedures, delegate selection, and the presidential nomination calendar — a process that directly affects New Hampshire’s prized First-in-the-Nation (FITN) presidential primary.
“I’m honored by the confidence of my colleagues on the Rules Committee and by the trust of New Hampshire Republicans who elected me national committeeman,” O’Brien said in a statement. “When the rules are clear, elections are honest, and the process is trusted, our party is united, our message is compelling, our candidates win, and our nation is stronger. That’s the work I’ll pursue every day for New Hampshire and for America.”
Reports of O’Brien’s new position were greeted as good news by Granite State Republicans with their eye on the 2028 presidential primary calendar.
“I want to congratulate Bill O’Brien on being elected chair of the Rules Committee. It is a very important position. When we think about protecting our First-in-the-Nation primary, he’s done an excellent job, and obviously, the committee members have great confidence in him,” said Gov. Kelly Ayotte (R).
“I think that bodes well for New Hampshire protecting and preserving our role.”
O’Brien, 74, has been a fixture in New Hampshire Republican politics for more than two decades. He served five terms in the New Hampshire House of Representatives, including a term as speaker from 2010 to 2012.
During his speakership, Republicans advanced a series of fiscal and regulatory reforms, as well as changes to state election laws.
A lawyer by profession and longtime party activist, O’Brien was appointed New Hampshire’s Republican National Committeeman in 2023 and later elected to continue in the role. His elevation to chairman of the RNC’s Rules Committee underscores the influence New Hampshire continues to wield in shaping the national party agenda, particularly as the GOP looks toward the 2028 presidential race.
“Bill O’Brien is exceptionally qualified for this job,” said former NHGOP state chair Chris Ager. “As a lawyer and former speaker, Bill will guide the committee with a steady hand. His position will also help ensure New Hampshire’s FITN status is maintained.”
